War veterans suffering from PTSD are using medical marijuana — Here’s why

Patients who suffer from mental disorders such as PTSD also suffer from a long-standing stigma of abusing marijuana.

This problem has many American veterans fighting another battle — this time for safe access — as more emerging research suggests that cannabis effectively treat, or even possibly cure PTSD.

Studies conducted both in America and abroad have found strong evidence to support the use of marijuana-derived substances such as THC and CBD to have a positive effect on PTSD symptoms.

PTSD is a severe mental health condition triggered by recurring thoughts of a terrifying event that was experienced or witnessed.

But yet there are no specialized medications for PTSD patients, and the ones currently recommended for the disorder provide limited efficacy.

PTSD sufferers are also being shut out by medical marijuana laws themselves, as Colorado health officials recently rejected PTSD as an ailment eligible for cannabis medication. And despite the existence of medical marijuana laws in 23 states, only five list PTSD as a qualifying condition.

These reasons are why many veterans are taking it upon themselves to take up yet another fight to legalize medical cannabis for PTSD patients. Studies show that people with PTSD have built up an endocannabinoid deficiency. Medical cannabis can replace the lost cannabinoids and provide patients ultimate relief from their troubled memories.

“Scientists have determined that normal CB-1 receptor signaling deactivates traumatic memories and endows it with the gift of forgetting,” said Martin Lee, director of Project CBD. “But skewed CB-1 signaling, due to endocannabinoid deficits, results in impaired fear extinction, aversive memory consolidation, and chronic anxiety, the hallmarks of PTSD.”

Patients using marijuana to treat the symptoms of PTSD are now doing so in a variety of methods. Raw cannabis flowers high in THC and CBD content can provide efficient relief when smoked or vaporized. Even cannabis-infused edibles and topical treatments are effective methods of replacing the sorely-needed endocannabinoids lacking in a PTSD patient’s system.

States with advanced medical marijuana programs provide even better access to products that can help replenish endocannabinoids, such as Sensi Chew‘s line of medicated edibles, or the products found in Care By Design‘s line of sublingual sprays and oil extracts.

“I have suffered from my combat wounds and have had sleep disorders for over 40 years. It has taken me years to find relief and a product that would help me sleep. I have had problems with edible doses, and the fact that you have cut them in doses is fantastic. I am able to take the same dosage every night of Insomnia Chews and I can now say I sleep like I did when I was 20 years old,” said TS of Oakland, CA.

According to reports from patients themselves, PTSD sufferers are finally experiencing relief through these products, and especially those formulated with a 4:1 CBD:THC ratio.

“I suffered for many years not knowing there was plant medicine without side effects. I’m very sensitive to chemicals so when I tried CBD spray it was like I found the missing link that my body/mind needed to achieve balance. Also, the quality of the product is evident compared to the other CBD products on the market. For me, the 4:1 ratio is the perfect formula for my symptoms related to PTSD,” said KW of Redwood City, CA.

“I use Care By Design for PTSD and arthritis and the oil has been beneficial for both. I haven’t taken anxiety meds in months,” said AY from Los Angeles, CA.

In fact, Care By Design is in the process of beginning a research study that will provide one year’s free supply of their products to 100 veterans located in the Bay Area. Keep visiting Smell the Truth for further information.

Until then, patients can find these products now by searching sites like Weedmaps.com to browse through thousands of nearby dispensary menus.

Smell The Truth

Smell The Truth is one of the internet's most popular destinations for cannabis-related news and culture. This blog is not written or edited by SFGate or the San Francisco Chronicle. The authors are solely responsible for the content.